Mockingjay (The Hunger Games, #3)

by Suzanne Collins

But I had already set something in motion that I had no ability to control.

“That doesn’t seem very fair to the deer,” I say. “Wouldn’t be using it on deer, would I?” he answers.

“Well, don’t expect us to be too impressed. We just saw Finnick Odair in his underwear.”

“Everyone,” Plutarch tells him. “We’re going to form a republic where the people of each district and the Capitol can elect their own representatives to be their voice in a centralized government. Don’t look so suspicious; it’s worked before.” “In books,” Haymitch mutters. “In history books,” says Plutarch. “And if our ancestors could do it, then we can, too.”

“President Snow says he’s sending us a message? Well, I have one for him. You can torture us and bomb us and burn our districts to the ground, but do you see that?”

“Fire is catching!” I am shouting now, determined that he will not miss a word. “And if we burn, you burn with us!”

Peeta holds out a can to me. “Here.” I take it, not knowing what to expect. The label reads LAMB STEW.

“But collective thinking is usually short-lived. We’re fickle, stupid beings with poor memories and a great gift for self-destruction.